Welcome back!

Well, Thanksgiving’s over and we’re into the holiday whirl of December! Time for buying gifts, baking treats, decorating the house and spending time with family and friends!

The challenge of this holiday season is staying somewhat sane while accomplishing everything on your to-do list. I’d like to help with that … with both the ‘buying gifts’ and ‘staying sane.’

How is that possible? Well, I’m going to share several homemade gift ideas that will save you time either in the stores or online, AND I’m suggesting you take some important self-care time by escaping to the peace and quiet of your quilting space for a while!

To do this, I’ve pulled together some quilting/sewing gift ideas. Some projects are more involved. Some use the longarm. Some, a domestic sewing machine. Others use both. Regardless, I hope you find something fun to make and perfect for someone on your gift list!

I’ll start with gift ideas using your longarm and then move into those made using your domestic machine. And I’ll provide YouTube and website links for retrieving the how-to specifics. So, let’s get started!

Gifts Made on the Longarm!

Source: Angie’s Answers

I’ve added a few ‘how-to’ projects to Angie’s Answers over time … one just recently! So, let’s start with those gift possibilities.

The most recent addition is a ‘how-to’ for a casserole carrier. I was searching for a video to use myself and, as I didn’t find what I was looking for, decided to create one myself!

For practicality, I broke this project down into a nine-part YouTube series. After following these nine ‘steps,’ you’ll have a beautiful, functional gift for someone on your list.

Part 1 Casserole Carrier on a longarm! No Binding! Gift idea Holidays, Birthdays , Housewarming gift (12:41)

Learn how to make this amazing Casserole Carrier gift idea 90% on a longarm!

These nine videos will teach you how to make these carriers one at at time. Part 1 gets you started!

(See the video descriptions for fabric requirements and needed tools.)

Part 2 Casserole Carrier on a longarm! Placing the Pro-Stitcher Computerized Pattern (9:14)

Part 2 shows you step-by-step instructions for placing the Pro-Stitcher computerized pattern, making sure it will fit on your fabric.

Part 3 Casserole Carrier on longarm. How to Drag and Drop for Center on Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher (16:23)

Part 3 shows you how to use the Drag & Drop feature of Pro-Stitcher to line up and quilt the center three pieces of the casserole carrier.

Part 4 Casserole Carrier How to Fix a Thread Break on Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher Premium or Lite (3:27)

Part 4 shows you how to fix a thread break on the Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher and get right back to sewing!

Part 5 Casserole Carrier Drag/Drop Bottom Section on Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher Premium (5:40)

Part 5 shows you how to use Drag & Drop in Handi Quilter’s Pro-Stitcher Premium to make sure the bottom section is all lined up and ready to sew.

Part 6 Attach Lining on Longarm to Casserole Carrier Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher Premium (3:16)

Part 6 shows you how to attach the lining to the casserole carrier all on the longarm! (This means no binding!)

Part 7 Flip Upside Down Secure Lining to Casserole Carrier on longarm with Quick Zip Flip Zipper (9:37)

Part 7 continues with showing you how to attach the lining to the casserole carrier all on the longarm! This is where you’ll use the Quick Zip Flip zipper to flip the project over on the frame!

Part 8 Trimming and Ironing Casserole Carrier using Laurastar Smart 1980 System (12:56)

Part 8 shows you how to trim up and iron the casserole carrier after we take it off the longarm frame.

Part 9 finish casserole carrier on sewing machine v1 1080p (7:11)

Part 9 shows you how to finish the Casserole Carrier. You’ll need your domestic sewing machine and blending thread. Make sure to seal up the opening where we flipped the carrier right side out and top stitch 1/8" around the entire carrier.

NOTE: In the video, I talk about using wooden spoons for handles. I found it easier and less expensive to use 1/4" round dowel rods instead. You’ll need 2-14" long rods for one carrier.

Optionally you can attach a 2-sided piece of Velcro (1” x 7”) to where the inside flaps overlap.

And if you’d like to make several of these casserole carriers at once, I have a video for that too! I made six carriers and 30 trivets all on one 108” x 108” piece of backing! Interested? Just watch Casserole Carriers in BULK! Make a quick easy gift idea on a Handi Quilter longarm & Pro-Stitcher (1:07:33). The video description provides fabric requirements and needed tools.

 

Okay, looking for a smaller gift or something not quite as involved? Here are a few more options!

Those of you that attended the first Quilting Podcast Virtual Retreat may remember this fun project. Check out Mini Fabric Tote / Basket using Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher and a domestic machine. (1:04:51) Please see the video description for fabric requirements.

          

How about some quick and easy quilt ideas? If you want something super-cuddly, check out this video – 2 sided quilt and No Binding! Minky Luxe makes a super soft and warm quilt! (38:47)

Or how about creating a unique quilted fleece on your longarm? See Fleece Quilts on the Handi Quilter Longarm Machine. Fast, Easy Gifts! Full float and Fill method (1:04:44)

And here’s one final project idea found on Angie’s Answers … how about a fun, practical tote bag for someone on your list?

This is a two-part series. Please see Part 1 How to make a Tote Bag on a Handi Quilter longarm quilting machine (47:01) and Part 2 How to make a Tote bag on a Handi Quilter longarm quilting machine (46:57). Again, fabric requirements are listed with the video descriptions.

But wait, I have a couple more wonderful sources for gift ideas that can be made on your longarm!

Source: Pro-Stitcher®

For those of you who own Pro-Stitcher or Pro-Stitcher Lite, did you know that the Pro-Stitcher® website has a Project page (under the Patterns tab) where you can buy several ready-made longarm quilting projects that are ideal for quick gifts?

Here’s just a sampling:

      Book/Tablet Sleeve Projects in 3 Sizes

     Miseltoe Stocking (Other options: Classic, Knitted, Pointsettia)

     Traveler Tote

     Holiday Lights Bin

That’s also where you’ll find the Pro-Stitcher pattern used for my Casserole Carrier project!

Source: Handi Quilter Blog

Handi Quilter’s blog pages are sprinkled with articles geared towards projects and gift ideas. With Christmas in mind, I’ll refer you to “Quick Project Ideas” posted on November 25, 2023.

This issue provides a mix of techniques and ideas that may spark just the right gift idea for someone on your list.

The blog post’s author, Mary Beth Krapil, shares sources reviewing techniques such as using one piece of backing fabric for multiple projects, piecing on your longarm, and creating your own quilted fabric. Then for each technique, Mary lists possible gift ideas.

For example, when piecing on the longarm, you can produce a jelly roll quilt, crazy quilts or placemats. When creating your own quilted fabric, you can produce holiday stockings, tote bags, goodie bags, bowl cozies, or even a sewing machine cover.

Or you can combine techniques! For example, try quilting preprinted panels to create small quilts and/or placemats on one backing fabric. (See Mary’s example of sweet Santa placemats!)

But I promised some quick and easy projects using your domestic sewing machine as well. So …

Gifts Made Using Your Domestic Sewing Machine

Source: Stacy Lee Creative

When I was in Houston, I met Stacy Lee! She’s put together a few fantastic selections of quick and easy gifts to sew!

Today, I’m going to suggest two particular posts, but check out her website for so much more!

 

      

The first is “10 Free & Easy Christmas Gifts to Sew.” The possibilities included in this post are:

1. Pen holder bookmark
2. Boxy zipper pouch
3. Apple coasters
4. Quilted glasses case
5. Snap pouch
6. Lattie pie pot holder
7. Quilt as you go table runner
8. Lavender bags
9. Tote bag
10. Christmas stocking

 

      

The second is “10 Free & Easy Gifts to Sew in Under an Hour!” This post includes a:

1. Tea bag wallet
2. Book sleeve
3. Corner bookmarks
4. Snap pouch
5. No-sew fabric book cover
6. Reversible fabric box
7. Key fob wristlet
8. Heart coasters
9. Cord organizer
10. Bowl cozy

Talk about possibilities!

Now what makes these posts so wonderful is that Stacy provides a picture of each project, a link to the information you’ll need to make the project, and a step-by-step video tutorial showing the how-to. In some cases, she also provides a link to her Etsy store where you can buy a pdf pattern for additional options.

So what do you think? Did any of the gift ideas match a someone or two on your list? Can you block off a little time to relax and let your creative juices flow? And please share! I’d love to know which idea(s) helped you with your gift giving this season!

Okay, let’s wrapup this post so you can start creating!

Distributor Sales!

Handi Quilter

Here’s what Handi Quilter is offering through the end of the year!

 

APQS

And here’s what APQS is offering!

BUT to celebrate this season of joy (and quilting!), APQS is also gifting you FREE SHIPPING!

Whether you’re thinking Handi Quilter or APQS,

please contact us for more information!!!

And remember, act before December 30th!

The Quilting Central Podcast Updates

The Latest QCP Episode

Have you caught the latest episode of The Quilting Central Podcast?

Check out “Trim & Square Like a Pro: How to Square Up Quilt Blocks & Fix Wonky Edges”!

Julie, Cathy and I talk about trimming and squaring up quilt blocks and quilts – the small steps that make a huge difference in your finished quilt!

This episode covers:

• How to square up individual quilt blocks using different tools and rulers. (And why it matters for accurate piecing.)
• When and how to square the whole quilt before attaching binding for a clean finish.
• Smart fixes for wonky edges so your binding goes on straight — no wrestling required.
• Quick shop-tested tips to speed up trimming and avoid rework.

And for a complete listing of all our episodes, check out the Quilting Central Podcast YouTube channel! Be sure to subscribe and comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Quilting Central Podcast Virtual Retreat

We had so much fun with our first QCP virtual retreat that we’re doing it again!

Join us:

Sunday, January 25^th    2 PM – 6:00 PM CT

Monday, January 26^th 6 PM – 8:00 PM CT

Tuesday, January 27^th 6 PM – 8:00 PM CT

(We’re opening 30 minutes early each day for setup and Q&A before instruction begins.)

We’ll cover:

• Free-motion quilting
• Ruler work
• Computerized quilting (Tips for all brands of longarms!)
• Needles, thread & tension

Your registration fee includes a Retreat Kit that will be shipped right to your door! It will include:

• A piece of printed fabric that looks like pieced quilt blocks large enough to practice on (and you’ll have a small table runner as a finished project by the end of class)
• A few surprise tools and supplies to use in our free-motion and ruler work lessons
• Step-by-step instructions for downloading the computerized quilting design we’ll be using
• Plus a few fun extra surprises just for you!

(You’ll need to supply your own backing, batting & thread.)

See the Classes page of The Quilting Connection website for more information and to register. Registration closes on January 5, 2026, so don’t wait!

That’s it for this post! As always …

Please remember, if you ever have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.

You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).

Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.

And please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!

Angie